As Keel and Lexi stepped through the large front doors, they were immediately struck by the grandeur of the keep. The high ceiling and imposing stone walls seemed to stretch on forever, and the air was thick with dust and decay. Despite the state of disrepair, the space still exuded a sense of grandeur, as if it had once been a hub of activity and importance.
The grand foyer was the first room they entered, and it was a sight to behold. The high ceiling was adorned with cobweb-covered chandeliers, and the stone walls were lined with tattered tapestries that hung precariously from the walls. Not even the wind had disturbed this place in a very long time.
The floor was covered in a thick layer of dust, and the furniture was broken and worn. Keel and Lexi could imagine that this was once the main entrance to the keep, where guests would be greeted with lavish feasts and celebrations.
Moving through the foyer, they entered the living room, which was equally impressive. The walls were lined with bookshelves, but they were empty and dusty. The furniture was old and worn, but still elegant, and the windows were covered in cobwebs. Keel and Lexi could imagine that this room was once used for family gatherings and social events.
Next, they entered the kitchen, which was surprisingly well-equipped considering the state of disrepair. The stove and oven were old and rusty, but still functional, and the cupboards were filled with dusty dishes and cooking utensils. However, the room was also home to a few unwelcome visitors - a group of rats scurried out from under the sink as Keel and Lexi entered.
After chasing away the rats, they continued through the keep, entering the dining room next. The table was long and wooden, but it was covered in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. The chairs were old and worn, but still ornate, and the walls were lined with more tattered tapestries. This room seemed to be where meals were once taken in grand style.
From there, they entered the study, which was a small but cozy room filled with books and papers. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and the desk was old and worn. This room seemed to be where one of the keep's former occupants would have spent hours studying or writing.
Finally, they reached the end of the main floor, where they found a grand staircase leading up to the bedrooms. The stairs were wide and curved, and they seemed to stretch on forever.
The first three rooms on the second floor were small but cozy visitor bedrooms. They were simple but well-appointed, with comfortable beds and chairs. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and there were small desks in each room for writing or reading.
The final room on the second floor was much larger than the others - it was the master bedroom. The room was spacious and elegant, with a large bed surrounded by ornate furniture. The walls were lined with bookshelves, and there was a large window that looked out over the valley below.
Seeing the collection of bookshelves, Keel took the time to look through them. They were simply a collection of old stories mostly weathered beyond repair. Not finding anything of value he turned back to Lexi.
"Come see this," she said. Keel and Lexi could see for miles in every direction, taking in the breathtaking view. But even as they admired the view, they knew that they weren't alone in this grand bedroom. They had heard strange noises coming from under the bed as they approached it, and now they could see a pair of beady eyes staring back at them.
"Ah," Keel said dryly. "I think we have another unwelcome visitor."
With that, he drew his sword and charged at whatever creature was hiding under the bed. Lexi followed close behind, her own sword at the ready. They chased away another rat or two before finally clearing out the room.
"I guess they were living here long before we came to visit. I guess we might be considered the unwelcome visitor not them." Lexi said with a smile in her voice.
As they stood back to admire their handiwork, Keel turned to Lexi with a grin. "Well," he said. "I think we've seen enough of this place for now."
Lexi nodded in agreement. "I think you're right," she said. "But I have to say - I'm impressed by this keep. It may be dusty and in disrepair, but it's still got a certain grandeur to it. I really would have loved to see what this place looked like when people were still living here. I bet it must have been quite the place."
Keel nodded in agreement. "Yes," he said. "I think you're right. This place has character - even if it is a bit... rustic."
And with that, they left the master bedroom behind, ready to explore more of this mysterious keep in search of secrets and surprises. Traveling through the keep they were unable to find anything of value, most items either weathered beyond repair or simply not something people of today would desire to own.
As Keel and Lexi explored the keep out the window they noticed a small, unassuming building tucked away behind the main structure. The door was old and weathered, but it looked sturdy enough to withstand the test of time. Curiosity getting the better of them, they made their way out of the Keep and moved toward the little building. Arriving they pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside.
The building was small and cramped, with stone walls that seemed to press in on them from all sides. But as they stepped into the structure, they noticed something peculiar - a staircase, hidden beneath years of dust and debris. The stairs seemed to lead down into darkness, and Keel and Lexi exchanged a nervous glance.
"What do you think this is?" Lexi asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "This may be what we have been looking for."
"I'm not sure," Keel replied, "but I think we're about to find out."